Air conditioning device



3 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 11, 1936. F. M. oPlTz AIB CONDITIONING DEVICE Filed oct. 4, 1932 Feb. 11, 1936. F. M. o`P1Tz AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE Filed oct. 4, v1932' Feb. 1,1, 1936. F'. M. oPlTz 2,030,316 Ain coNDITioNING DEVICE Filed Oct 4, 1952 I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 y for heating the water.

Patented Feb. 1l, 1936 PATENT OFFICE 2,030,316 y Am coNnrrIoNmG nEvrcE Fred M. 0pm, Milwaukee, wis., assigner u nexcel Radiator Company, Milwaukee, poration of Wisconsin Wis., a cor- Application October 4, 1932, Serial No. 636,164 i 20 Claims.

'I'his invention relates to air conditioning devices, and more particularly to portable conditioning devices adapted to be installed in rooms or similar enclosures in homes and oiice buildings. or the like. y In the preferred embo ent of thev invention, I provide a conditioning unit for heating and humidifying the air in a room or slmilarenclosure comprising a receptacle containing water and provided with an electrical heating element A motor driven fan is adapted to draw air in over the surface of the heated water,` where the air is humidied and heated by the steam or vapor rising from the water, and the fan then discharges this air into the room. An automatic switch, operative onlyv when the receptacle contains water, is provided, for operating the fan, and also controls the operation of the heating element to prevent overheating thereof when the water has all been evaporated.

The provision of a conditioning device adapted to heat the air as wen as humidify it by the addition of steam or vapor thereto is distinctly advantageous as compared to a device wherein the air is passed through a spray of cool water and must entrain water particles therein. In the latter i vtype of device, little water can be added tothe air Abecause of the low temperature of the water and the relatively large size of the droplets. It is apparent that air can absorb more moisture if heated than if cooled, due to the difference in relative humidity of the air. 'Ihe energy necessary to heat the water is offset by the reduction in the fuel consumption for heating the room, since the humidifled air need not be reheated, as is necessary in connection with devices using a cool water stood, however, that the device may be used continuously, if desired, or to satisfy any condition that may be required in a given situation.

The operation of the device is automatic, after it has once been connected to a convenient wall socket or the like,` as it will start automatically when lled with water, and will stop automatically when the water has been exhausted. This is accomplished by means of a float controlled switch which controls the operation of the fan and heating element. If desired, a manual control may b'e provided for either the fan or heating element, orboth, where it is desired to operate the device independently of the water supply. In addition, the device is provided with a secondary control switch connected to the heating element, by means of which the temperature of the heating element may be controlled to provide slow evaporation of the water, or rapid evaporation of the water, as desired.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a unitary air conditioning device which is portable, neat in appearance, and eflicient in operation. Combined with the feature of portability is the compactness of the construction, with all of the parts hidden from view and enclosed by an attractive casing having a handle thereon for facilitating transportation of the de'- vice.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a water receptacle within the unit which may be easily lled, and which is provided with automatic means for indicating when sufficient water has been added thereto.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is automatically put into operation as the water is added, and which is automatically shut oil when the water has been evaporated, thus preventing burning out or overheating of the resistance.

A still further object of the present invention n ot detract from the appearance of the room or enclosure where it is placed and which, while requiring somewhat more energy for its operation than a cold-spray type of conditioning unit, effects economy of operation because of the reducxtion in energy necessary to heat the room, since the device itself performs a part of this function. In connection with this feature, the provision of a device utilizing the principle of hot Water heat` ing, with humidication by absorption of steam or vapor into the air" stream, instead of the absorption of water particles, eliminates condensation and provides a more eflicient and uniform humidifying of the room air. The amount of water vapor absorbed by heated air is far greater than that absorbed by cooled air, and therefore the unit need not be operated for aslong a period as devices using the cold spray principle.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear more fully from the fol` lowing detailed description, which, taken in connection with the accompanyinggdrawings, will disclose to those skilled in the art the particular construction and operation of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a rear perspective view of the assemhled unit;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the unit;

Figure 3 is a. sectional elevational view. taken substantially on the line 3 3 of Figure 2, and disclosing in detail the mounting of the fan within the casing;

is the provision of a unit of this type which does on the line 4-4 of Figure 3, looking in the direction indicated bythe arrows:

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the unit with the outer casing removed;

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view of the float mounting and associated switch, taken substantially on the line 5 5 of Figure 4; and

Figure 7 is a detail plan view of the heating element disposed in the water receptacle.

in Figure 1 Ihave disclosed the completely assembled unit,` having a rear plate indicated generally by the numeral I0, a front plate indicated -generally by the numeral I I and having a casing I2 adapted to space the rear and forward plates apart and forming a base for the unit. It will be noted that the plates I0 and II extend above the upper limits ofthe spacing member I2, and a suitable handle I3, secured between the plates by means of a through bolt or screw member I4, is provided for facilitating Vtransportation of the unit.

The rear plate I l' is provided with a substantially circular grille portion I5, which is provided with a plurality of radially extending openings I6 adapted to provide ventilation for the fan motor I1. The grille I5 may be formed integrally with the plate Ill, or may be a separate member secured thereto, and is provided with a laterally offset portion I3, having a circular opening formed therein for receiving a sight glass I3 through which the operation of thefIoat-controlled switch20 may be observed. The plate I0 is also provided with a rearwardly extending offset portion 22 which itsl about a corresponding portion of the inner casing or water receptacle, and which provides a readily accessible means for lllng the water receptacle. 'Ihe casing or plate I0 is also provided with a cutout portion 23 at the bottom thereof, which is adapted to provide an opening for leading in the electrical conduit member 24, which is connected to a suitable source of electrical current. Projecting through the plate III is a control switch indicated generally at 25, which provides for control of the heating element and operation of the fan. plates I0 and II by means of screws 21 which thread into suitable bracket members 23 carried by the plates I0 and I I, as shownin detail inFl'gurey 4. Suitable rubber covered studs or screws 29 are Vthreaded into the base 3B of the casing member I2, and extend up and are threaded into brackets or lugs 3| can-led by the plates I0 and I I for forming supporting means for the unit and for additionally securing the plates to the casing member I2. f

Considering now in detail in Figure 2, the plate II is provided with a circular opening or cut-out portion indicated at 33, which provides the outlet for the air drawn through the unit. The plates I0 and II, together Vwith the casing member I2, may be nished in any desired style, such as by beingr plated, provided with a satin ilnish, or provided with a stamped design or the like. The conguration of Lthe casing ofthe unit somewhat resembles that of the so-called Cathedral type of radio receiving set, and, when nished properly, enhances the appearance of a room rather than detracting therefrom, as has beenV the case with prior types of home conditioning The casing member I2 is secured to the Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially rectangular shape and having a rounded upper portion, indicated generally by the numeral 35. The housing 35 is provided with side walls 35 and 31, and with a bottom wall 33. Extending outwardly from the rear wall' 36 is a laterally and vertically extending spout portion, of generally triangular shape, indicated at 39, which provides for admitting water to the receptacle. The spout portion 33 is provided with an opening 40 adjacent its upper end, which opening is closed Referring now in more detail to the drawings,

by meansof a perforated cover member 4I hingedly secured to the extending spout 39 by -means of a pivot bolt 42. The cover 4I is raised when it is desired to pour water into the receptacle, but is normally maintained in closed position duringthe operation of thevdevice, and provides an inlet opening for the air entering the unit. f

The entire casing 35 is enclosed by suitable heat insulating means, which may comprise asbestos, pressed mineral wool, heavy cardboard, or

-the like, and whichA is preferably glued or otherlug 48 riveted or otherwise secured to the wall 35 of the casing, as by means of rivets 49, and

l which is provided with an offset extending portion adapted to be secured to the casing member I2 by means of the bolt 50. At its lower end, a second supporting lug 5I is welded or otherwise secured to the bottom wall 38 of thehousing 35, and is secured to the bottom wall 3D of the casing member I2"by a bolt 52. 'Ihis serves to position the casing 35 with its associated insulation 45 in rigid position with respect to the casing member I2, and consequently with respect to the plates Ill and I I. p

Disposed in the upper central portionY of the housing 35 is a cylindrical sleeve member `54,

which extends from the rear wall 36 to a point permit the air drawn into inlet 4|) to pass through the outlet 33 under the iniluence of the fan 51 mounted by means of the collar 58 upon shaft 59 of the fan motor I1. An annular retaining washer or ring member 60 is suitably secured to second cylindrical sleeve member 5I carried at the forward end of the sleeve member 54. The ring member 50 is provided with a circular openingI 62 which is concentric with the outlet opening 33 formed in the plate Il.

A cup-shaped supporting member 63 is provided in the interior of the sleeve member 54 at the rear portion thereof, and has its flanged bottom portion 64 extending normal to and slightly to the rear of the openings 55. Suitable insulation 65 is provided upon the Ycup-shaped member 53 and its bottom 64. A plurality of threaded screws 55 are adapted to support the fan motor I1 in position upon the flanged portion 64 of the member 53, and dispose the fan concentrically with respect to the sleeve member54. 'I'he fan motor is thus held securely in position and the fan is adapted to rotate in a clockwise direction to drawair through the openings 88 and force it outwardlythrough the opening 33 formed in the plate A suitable grille, indicated at 18, is secured over the forward end of the-sleeve member 8| by means of a plurality of screws 1I, which are threaded into extending boss portions 12 formed on the forward wall 31 of the casing 38. The grille 18 may be formed of wire mesh or the like, and is provided for the purpose of preventing contact with the rotating fan 81, and also for preventing the entry of paper or similar debris into the fan chamber. It also masks the view of the fan, thus enhancingthe appearance of the unit.

A cylindrical .hollow float 18 is disposed within the chamber 88 of the housing 38, and is mounted i thereto by means of the set screw 8| and having aA pair of laterally extending spring finger members 82 adaptedy to receive the automatic switch 28.

The switch 28 comprises a glass-sealed tube,

' preferably evacuated, which has sealed therein a pair of contacts indicated at 88 and 88. 'Ihese contacts have terminal portions extending through the glass, and sealed inv position therein, and are connected by meansof the conductors 81 and 88 to the power supply.v Upon rotation of the shaft 18, the switch 28 is also rotated, and the globule of mercury 88 is rolled into contact with the contacts 88 and 88, thus closing the circuit. The shaft V18 is rotated by means of the float 18 rising and falling in accordance with the water level in the chamber 88. Suitable stops 88 and 8| are provided for limiting the movement of the float 18, the stop 98 being positioned upon the sidewall of the casing 38 so that when the float is in its uppermost position the switch will be closed. When the float reaches the position determined by the stop 8|, the mercury will roll away from the contacts 88 and 88, and thus will break the circuit. At this position, the water level is just sumcient to coverthe heating elements. Because of the evacuated condition of the switch, the switch can be operated innumerable times without affecting the condition of the contact members, since no corrosion or pitting occurs.

Considering now the heating element for the receptacle 38, this element, as shown in detail in Figure '1, comprises two U-shaped members 82 vided between the members 92 and 83 and the resistance strips 88 and 98 extending therethrough, this insulation comprising sheets of mica, or other suitable means, indicated by the` numeral 91 in Figures 3, 4 and 7.

The elements or members 82 and 83 are supported upon a plate member 88, having theiianged portions 89 receiving these members. A suitable gasket or bushing member |88 is disposed upon the inner surface of the side wall of the ceptacle 38, and slidably receives the flanged portions 88 of the plate 98 to support the elements in position. A gasket |8I is interposed between the surface of the plate 88 and a. supporting frame member |82. The supporting frame member |82, as indicated in Figure 5, is secured to the member |88 by means of screws |88 passing therethrough.

and 88 in position within the chamber 88.

It will be noted that one extending end of each of the resistance elements 98 and 88 is connected 'Ihis serves to support the heating elements 82 s together by a sleeve member |88 having the bolt |88 passing therethrough. The oppdsite ends of the resistance elements 88 and'88 are each provided with a separate terminal bolt |81 and |88. respectively. It will thus be"pparent that the resistance element can be connected at one point to utilize either one of the resistance strips 88 and 88. For example, if the element connected to' use one of the elements, as for eitample, element 88, the terminals |88 and |81 be provided with conductors leading to a soirce of current supply.v Ii.' it is desired to connect only the inner element 88, the terminal bolts |88 and |88 will be utilized. Thus, either a high or a low temperature may be produced by the heating elements 82 and 93, thus providing for slowy or rapid evaporation of the water in the chamber 88.

Referring no'w in detail to the operation of the control circuit for the device, the switch 28 is of any usual type having four contact points. One conductor from .the main supply power conduit 28 leads directly to' a contact pointin the switch 28. 'I'he other conductor is connected through conduit |89, to a terminal ||2 carried upon the insulating panel strip H3. From the terminal |I2 the conduit 88 conducts current to the co'ntact 88 disposed within the switch 28. When the switch is in operative position, the current is then led out of the switch 28 through contact 88 and conductor 81 to a second terminal ||4 disposed on the plate or panel II3.

A conductor ||8 leads from the terminal III to one side of the fan motor I1, and a return conductor I II leads from the fan motor I1 to a third terminal I I8 disposed upon the panel II3. From the terminal I8 the conductor I8 leads to' a second contact point disposed within the switch 28.

The conductor I I1', leading from the terminal III,

leads to the terminal bolt |88 carried by the resistance elements 88 and 88. Return terminals I I8, leading from terminal bolt |81, and I I8, leading from terminal bolt |88, are connected to the other two contact points of the switch 28.

When the switch is in the position shown in Figure 8, with` the switch operating member |28 in a position indicated as an oil' position by the indicator memebr |2I carried upon the switch 28, the circuit is opened. and no current flows -to the fan motor I1 or to the resistance elements 88 or 88. When the operating member |28 is rotated to a po'sition ninety degrees from the position shown in Figure 5, in a clockwise direction, the switch is still in an on position, and no clu'rent ows tothe device. However, when the switch member is rotated to a positioncorresponding to the numeral on the plate |2I, current iiows to the fan motor and also to the resistance element 88, being conducted to this element through the conductor H1 and returnedthrou'gh the conductor H8; 78

.rapid evaporation oi' the water. When the switch is rotated to a position corresponding to the numeral 2 on the plate I2I, the fan motor receives is heated, the steam or water vapor appears .above the surface of the water, and is entrained current and also the resistance element 96 through conductors I I1 and H9. 'I'his is the low heating position, providing for slow evaporation of thegwater. It is to be remembered in the operation oi this circuit that no current flow will occur. regardless of the position of the member |20, unless the receptacle is lled with water vto actulate the float for closing the circuit between the contacts and 06 of the switch member 20.

In the operation of the device, the switch member |20 is tlrst rotated to an off position, and the water is then added through inlet40 to the chamber 50. This causes the iloat to rise, -actuating the switch 20, and thus providing current for the fan motor I1 and for one of the resistance elements 05 or $6. 'I'he switch member |20 is then turned to the desired heating position. The fan begins to draw air through the perforated cover member Il down over the surface of the heated water, through openings 55 and out through outlet 33 in the plate Ii. As the water by the air coming into contact therewith, the air being heated by this warm vapor. Thus, warm humidiiled air is discharged into the room, the fan motor I1 having sumcient speed to force it to all portions of the room. When the water has reached a level determined by the position of the float I5 in contact with the stop BLthe switch 20 will be automatically disconnected, thus stopping the fan motor I1 and breaking the now of current to the resistance element. ,I Thus the device is automatic in operation, starting only when the water -has been placed in the receptacle, and shutting off when the water has been exhausted, thus preventing overheating of the resistance elements.

It is thus apparent ,that I have provided a compact and economical air conditioning device, adapted to be embodied in an attractive portable casing, which is automatic in operation, and whichV may be operated for either slow or rapid evaporation oi' the water. I'he switch 25 may be placed in an oif position when the water is added, and then manually operated to control the operation of the device.' As pointed out, the device is distinctly eflicient in operation because of the use of the warm or hot water principle of humidication, heating the air as it passes through the steam or vapor above the surface oi the water.

I do not intend to be kklimited to the exact details shown and described inthe illustrated embodiment of my invention, but only insofar as defined by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

upper portion of said receptacle and enclosed within an annular casing communicating with said receptacle, and automatic means for controlling the operation of said heating element and fan responsive to the water level in said receptacle.

"' 2. In a portable air conditioning device, an in-v ner casing including a water receptacle,` an outer casing over and about said inner casing and rigidly supporting the same, metal vplates securedto said outer casing and extending thereabove, a handle secured between the extending portions of said plates, a laterally extending portion on one of said plates defining an inlet for said water receptacle and serving as an air inlet to said -inner casing, .and an air outlet formed in said other plate.

3. In a portable air conditioning device, a water receptacle, a laterally projecting ller opening and air inlet for saidv receptacle, a fan for drawing air through said filler opening over the Surface of the water in said receptacle and discharging it therefrom, a plurality of means for heating the water in said receptacle, means for members `threaded through said second casing and said'bracket means for supporting'said second casing and plate members.

5. In combination, an inner casing, insulating material secured about the outer surface of said casing, a pair of lugs extending outwardly of said casing at the top and bottom thereof, an enclosing casing, bolts extending throughsaid lugs for securing said rst casing rigidly to said enclosing casing, plate members at the front and i rear of said second casing having bracket means for securing said second casing thereto, and re-` silient stud members threaded through said second casing and said bracket means for supporting said second casing and plate members.

6. In combination, an inner casing, laterally and vertically extending means forming a spout for pouring water into said casing, a sleeve extending through the sidewalls of said casing adjacent the upper portion thereof and having openings communicating with the interior of said casing, a cup-shaped inner sleeve extending into one end ot said first sleeve, a fan supported on said inner sleeve and disposed adjacent said openlngs, and a grille secured over the other end of said i'lrst sleeve, said fan drawing air through said spout through the interior of said casing and said openings and discharging it out through said grille.

7. In combination. an innercasing, a sleeve extending through said casing, said sleeve having openings communicating with the interior of said casingya motor disposed concentrically within said sleeve on one side of said openings, a fan operated by said motor and dis on the opposite side of said openings, a aft extending through the side walls of said cA ing and having a` gravity-operated switch mounted on one end thereof, means responsive to the uid level in said casing for rotating said shaft to operate said switch, and stop means for limiting movement ot said last namedmeans.

8. In combination, an inner casing adapted to contain water, a heating element disposed adje--y cent the bottom of said casing. a shaft extending through said casing, a switch carried at one end oi' said shaft and operated by rotation of-said said-shaft. means'responsive to the water level in and stop means -for limiting movement of said shaft rotating means. 9. In combination, an inner casing adapted to contain water, a. plurality of heating elements disposed within said casing, a shaft extending through said casing, a switch carried at one end of said shaft, means for selectively connecting said switch to each o-f said elements, said switch controlling the energization of said'elements, and means responsive to the water level in said casing to rotate said shaft for operating said switch. A l0. In combination, an inner casing adapted to contain water, a heating element disposed in said casing, a shaft extending through said casing, a switch carried at one end of said shaftmeans for connecting said switch to said element, said switch controlling the energization of said element, means responsive to the water level in said casing for rotating said shaft to operate said switch, and enclosing means about said casing and having `a sight opening providing for observation of the operation of said switch.

ll. In a device of the class described, an inner casing adapted to containy water, a heating element in said casing comprising a U-shaped mem'- ber having -a resistance strip therein, means for connecting said element t a source of electrical current, said element being immersed in said water to heat the same, a switch in said connecting means, and float actuated means for operating said switch to prevent overheating of said element when said water is exhausted.

12. In a device of the class described, an inner casing adapted to contain water, a plurality of heating elements immersed in said water and comprising insulated resistance members, means for selectively connecting said elements to a source of electriccurrent, a switch controlling current flow through said conecting means, and

float actuated means for operating-said switch to prevent overheating of said element when said water is exhausted.

13. In a device of the class described, an innerl sleeve, a motor supported on said member, a shaft.

extending through said member and having a fan mounted on the end thereof a pair of plates and an enclosing member about said casing and rigidly supporting the same, a grille in one of said plates providing for ventilation of said motor, and a discharge outlet in the other of said plates concentric with said fan.

14. In an air conditioning device, a water receptacle, a float disposed therein, a shaft rotatable upon movement of said float, means for heating the water in said receptacle, and a gravity-operated switch mounted on said shaft for controlling said heating means.

15. A device of the class described comprising a water receptacle, means for admitting air over the surface of the water in said receptacle, means providing for withdrawal of said air therefrom, heating means disposed within said water receptacle, fan means providing for circulation of air across said water, an outer housing enclosing said receptacle, switch means carried by said receptacle and projecting through said outer housing for operating said fan and heating means, heat insulating means between said receptacle and housing, and means responsive to the level of the water in said receptacle for controlling the operation of said fan and heating means.

16. In a portable air conditioning device, a water receptacle comprising a shell member having an opening in one side wall thereof above the normal water level in said receptacle, an annular chamber secured about said opening and l extending into said receptacle, fan means in said chamber, communicating ports between said fan chamber and the interior of said receptacle, and an air inlet for said receptacle disposed laterally thereof whereby said fan means draws air downwardly through said inlet over the surface of the chamber, communicating ports between said fari chamber and the interior of said receptacle, means for heatingthe water in said receptacle controlled by the level of water therein, land an air inlet for said receptacle disposed laterally A thereof whereby said fan means draws air from said inlet over the surface of the water in said receptacle through said ports into said annular chamber and discharges said air outwardly through said outlet opening.

18. In a portable air conditioning device, a water receptacle having an opening in one side rwall thereof above thenormal water level in said receptacle, an annular chamber secured to said opening and extending into said receptacle, fan

means secured in said chamber, communicating y ports between said fan chamber and the interior of said receptacle, means for heating the water in said receptacle, means for preventing overheating of said heating means including means responsive to the water level in said receptacle, and an air inlet for said receptacle disposed laterally thereof whereby said fan means draws air from said inlet over the surface of the water in said receptacle and through said ports into said chamber and dischargessaid air outwardly through saidoutlet opening.

19. In an air conditioning device having a water receptacle, means for heating the water in said receptacle, a restricted inlet extending laterally and upwardly from said receptacle., an unrestricted outlet above said receptacle, and a fan positioned in said outlet for drawing air through said restricted inlet across the surface of the water in said receptacle and outwardly through said outlet, the restricted inlet providing for a reduction in air pressure on the surface of the water in said receptacle during operation of said fan.

20. In an air conditioning device, a water receptacle, an outlet therefor above the surface of the water in said receptacle, a restricted filler opening and air inlet for said receptacle, and fan means in said outlet for drawing air through said inlet across the surface of the Water in said receptacle and outwardly through said outlet, the relative areas of said inlet and said outlet being such as to eifect a reduction in pressure on the surface of the water in said receptacle during operation of said fan means.

FRED M. OPITZ. 

